Reading, Replaced By Modern Technology
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Saved by technology? Really? It may be more of a curse than a blessing. There was a time when both young and old Americans read for enjoyment, but the internet has put an end to much of that practice. Many adults and youth have abandoned books and newspapers for the computer and the cell-phone. Though modern technology has become a blessing in numerous ways, it has also created more problems than solutions. Today’s youth are looking for a cell-phone with more features, not a book with a hardback cover. Reading requires thinking, and that is something the present generation prefers not to do. Even so called” progressive education” discourage critical thinking. In fact, seldom is it taught in today’s classroom.
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Speaking of Education, if our new Governor, wants to do something to revolutionize education, than let me suggest that he and the legislature euthanize the T-Caps, post haste. I was a young teacher when the mandate to test all students first came down the pike. It is unfortunate that it didn’t wreck. If it had decreased dropouts, and better prepared students for college, then where is the proof?
What it has done is to take time away from real education, which includes among other things, reading. Teachers have to give up precious time to teach the T-Cap while state educational officials use the results to harass teachers and administrators across the state. And now, of all things, some blooming idiots are wanting to tie teacher salaries to test scores, which shows that these “experts” on the state level have never had a course in real psychology. Come on up to Macon County fellows, and I’ll teach you what impeds children’s learning. We’ll begin with poor, home environment and poverty stricken communities. Then we’ll consider the fact that as a measuring tool the T-Caps is flawed.
Perhaps these testing freaks would do themselves a service, and the students of Tennessee, by checking in at one of the states parks and allowing their brains to rest. We’ve experimented with this nonsense test long enough.
Let me suggest, that if and when the T-Caps is euthanized, don’t bury it, but creamate it so some “modern progressive educator” can’t dig it up and use it on our great grandchildren in later years. And oh yes, please no memorial service for that would violate separation of Church and State. (Ha!).